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New Audi RS3 Coming As Early As 2014

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2012 Audi RS3 live photos

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Audi’s last RS3, based on the previous generation A3, wasn’t universally loved by reviewers. When stacked against the BMW M135i by journalist Chris Harris, the RS3 came up short in almost every measurable variable, except for lap time. Harris faulted Audi's hottest hatch for its copious understeer, which made driving a chore and not a pleasure.

Since RS products typically come at the end of Audi’s development cycle, it looked bleak for a rematch within a reasonable time frame. Now, according to Whatcar?, there’s reason to be optimistic: a new Audi RS3 could come as soon as 2014.

Stephan Reil, head of technology development for Audi’s quattro GmbH, confirms that the next RS3 will hit the market little more than a year after the recently-revealed S3, shown at September’s Paris Auto Show.

While it’s a bit premature to talks specifics, Audi insists its five-cylinder engine isn’t going away any time soon, and its a given that the next RS3 will also utilize quattro AWD. Expect performance to best the last RS3 too, with the only question bing, “by how much?”

Don’t give up hope on a version for the U.S., either. Audi of America is now headed by Scott Keogh, who was instrumental in bringing the 2013 Audi RS5 to this side of the Atlantic. Since Germans still believe that “Americans don’t want hatchbacks,” it’s possible that the RS3 we see here will be in sedan form instead of wagon form.